Pesto Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Pesto Chicken recipe, featuring tender, golden-seared chicken breasts baked to perfection and generously topped with homemade basil pesto. Made with fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and a burst of lemon juice, the pesto is vibrant and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors. This easy, oven-finished dish combines quick prep time with simplicity, making it perfect for busy cooks who crave gourmet results. Serve this juicy, herbaceous chicken alongside a crisp salad or creamy pasta for a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. With its fresh ingredients and aromatic flair, Pesto Chicken is sure to be a family favorite. Keywords: pesto chicken recipe, baked chicken, homemade basil pesto, easy weeknight dinners, Mediterranean chicken dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
While the chicken is searing, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly pour in the lemon juice and 0.5 cup of extra virgin olive oil until well combined and smooth. Stop to scrape down the sides as necessary.
Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from heat. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the pesto over each chicken breast.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.3 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 653 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.7 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 42.5 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 383 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 695 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
